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Trip from Potterville, MI to Detroit, MI

Compiled and reviewed by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy · Last reviewed Apr 19, 2026 · Editorial standards

Drive Time

1h 55m

Distance

99.3 mi

160 km

Drive Score

7/10

Good drive

Same Day?

Yes, doable

Fuel Cost

$16

one way

EV Charging

Unknown

Best Time to Leave

Save up to 25 min
4 AM
1h 47m ★
6 AM
1h 55m
8 AM
2h 12m
10 AM
2h 1m
12 PM
2h 0m
3 PM
2h 2m
5 PM
2h 11m
8 PM
1h 50m

Estimated drive times based on typical traffic patterns. Actual times may vary with weather, construction, and real-time conditions.

Best Time Drive vs Fly
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Downtown Potterville, MI, MI

Potterville, MI

fish socks

Downtown Detroit, MI, MI

Detroit, MI

Wikimedia Commons

Trip Overview

The drive from Potterville, MI to Detroit, MI covers 99.3 miles and takes about 1h 55m behind the wheel. This route is realistic as a one-day drive if you keep your stops efficient.

The route leans on I 96, John C Lodge Freeway, Walter P Reuther Freeway for much of the mileage, and the overall profile is mostly highway. The longest uninterrupted segment is about 65 miles on I 96. At current regular gas prices, budget about $15.52 one way before food or hotel costs.

Trip Pace

Same-day drive is realistic

A same-day return is realistic if you keep stops short.

Midpoint

49.6 miles from Potterville, MI

A natural place for your longest stop of the day , about 55m into the drive .

Main Roads

Road Distance Duration
I 96 65 mi 1h 9m
John C Lodge Freeway 17.8 mi 23m
Walter P Reuther Freeway 8.9 mi 10m
I 69 3.2 mi 3m
Lansing Road 1.6 mi 2m
Potterville Street 0.5 mi <1m
Hartel Road 0.2 mi <1m
West Larned Street 0.2 mi <1m
Longest stretch: I 96 — 65 mi, about 1h 9m

Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions

Step-by-step road directions between Potterville, MI and Detroit, MI.

1

Start on M 100

0.5 mi · 58 sec · Potterville Street
2

Continue on M 100

0.2 mi · 31 sec · Hartel Road
3

Take the ramp

0.4 mi · 54 sec
4

Merge onto I 69

3.2 mi · 3 min · I 69
5

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 40 sec
Toward Lansing Road
6

Keep slight left at fork

520 ft · 13 sec
Toward Lansing Road
7

Turn right onto Lansing Road

1.6 mi · 2 min · Lansing Road
8

Take the ramp

0.5 mi · 59 sec
Toward I-96 EAST: Detroit
9

Merge onto I 96

65 mi · 1 hr 9 min · I 96
Use the straight / right lanes.
10

Continue on I 696

8.9 mi · 10 min · Walter P Reuther Freeway
Toward I 696 East, M 5 East: Port Huron Use the straight / slight right lanes.
11

Merge onto M 10

18 mi · 23 min · John C Lodge Freeway
Use the straight / slight right lanes.
12

Take the exit

0.3 mi · 45 sec
Exit 1B Toward Larned Street, Downtown Use the slight left lane.
13

Continue on West Larned Street

0.2 mi · 34 sec · West Larned Street
14

Turn left onto Woodward Avenue

0.2 mi · 42 sec · Woodward Avenue
Use the straight lane.
15

Turn right onto Cadillac Square

126 ft · 4 sec · Cadillac Square
16

Arrive at destination

Cadillac Square

Trip Plan

Morning Departure

Leave by 9 AM and you'll arrive before lunch.

Evening Departure

Even a 4 PM departure gets you there before dark in summer.

You can normally do this drive in one day.
You may only need one short stretch break if traffic stays light.
The halfway point lands around 49.6 miles from Potterville, MI, or about 55m into the drive.
The longest continuous stretch on this route runs about 65 miles.

This is a comfortable same-day trip.

Departure

Before you leave

Start with fuel, water, and navigation already sorted so the first hour feels easy.

First stop

Around 22 miles or 26m in

Use this first pause for coffee, a restroom break, and a quick traffic check ahead.

Halfway reset

Around 49.6 miles or 55m in

This is the best place for your longest stop, a real meal, and a full fuel check.

Final approach

Final hour starts around 1h 30m

Traffic, exits, and arrival timing usually matter more near Detroit, MI than in the middle of the route.

Before You Leave

+

Open the route before leaving Potterville, MI so your first major turns are already loaded.

Day 1

Settle into the route from Potterville, MI

This is one driving day of about 99.3 miles and 1h 55m.

Your first comfortable stop window is around 22 miles from Potterville, MI.
This route can stay practical as a one-day drive if traffic stays reasonable.
The longest stretch is on I 96 for about 65 miles.

Where to Stop

Rest stops, refuel points, and overnight suggestions along this route.

city and county seat of Livingston County, Michigan, United States of America

Mid-route town

Meal stop

Howell, MI

50 mi into the route

Best for: Lunch, fuel, and a longer reset

This sits close to the middle of the route, so it works well for the longest stop of the day.

Pacing Suggestions

Haslett, MI

Fuel and coffee

A short stop after about 22 miles helps settle the day before fatigue starts building.

Howell, MI

Meal break

The midpoint is around 49.6 miles from Potterville, MI, which is a good place for a longer meal and fuel stop.

Before the longest stretch

Fuel check

Top up before I 96 if your tank is already low. That segment runs about 65 miles.

These stop ideas are pacing suggestions — the exact town or exit can change with traffic, hotel plans, and fuel range.

Nearby Places

Restaurants, cafes, gas stations and more along your route.

Top Restaurant

Detroit Princess Riverboat

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 99.3

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18773382628

Visit website

Cafe Sous Terre

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

1.8 mi

Top Coffee Stop

Roasting Plant Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Detroit, Michigan

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 99.3

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+13137824291

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

0.2 mi

Madcap Coffee Company

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Detroit, Michigan

0.2 mi

Detroit Princess Riverboat

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–5 pm

+18773382628

Visit website

Cafe Sous Terre

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~5 min detour $10 to $20 mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–11 pm

+13132282880

Visit website

Anastasia and Katie's Coffee Shop & Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, ~12 min detour

4.6 mi from route ~12 min detour $1 to $10 mile 78

Livonia, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–2 pm

+12489578019

Visit website

Roasting Plant Coffee

4.4 ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Near the end, right off the route

0 mi from route $1 to $10 mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–5:30 pm

+13137824291

Visit website

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters Detroit

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route $10 to $20 mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13133383515

Visit website

Madcap Coffee Company

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.2 mi from route ~1 min detour $10 to $20 mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+18888669091

Visit website

Farmhouse Coffee & Ice Cream

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour $1 to $10 mile 78

Farmington Hills, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–8 pm

+12485627708

Visit website

Joe's Coffee & Tea Cafe

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Later in the drive, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 70.9

Novi, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–7 pm

+12485333355

Visit website

Coffee Beanery Brighton

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Around the midpoint, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour Inexpensiv mile 56.7

Brighton, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–4 pm

+18102272233

Visit website

Anna’s Café

4.9 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.2 mi from route ~3 min detour $1 to $10 mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–2 pm

+13133649143

Visit website

Haraz Coffee House

4.5 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.1 mi from route ~3 min detour $10 to $20 mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 7 am–9 pm

+13138161440

Visit website

Potterville Rest Area 829

0.1 mi from route

Howell Rest Area 812

0.1 mi from route

Okemos Rest Area 811

0.2 mi from route

Holt Rest Area 810

1 mi from route

Service Plaza

1.9 mi from route

Detroit Rolling Pub

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.6 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 10 am–10:30 pm

+13137105156

Visit website

Beacon Park

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.5 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668250

Visit website

Detroit Riverwalk

4.8 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.7 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668200

Visit website

Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.4 mi from route ~1 min detour mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 6 am–10 pm

+13135668200

Visit website

William G. Milliken State Park and Harbor

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1 mi from route ~3 min detour mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: 8 am–4 pm

+13133960217

Visit website

Ze Mound

5.0 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, right off the route

0.9 mi from route ~2 min detour mile 99.3

Detroit, Michigan

Hours: Open 24 hours

Windsor Sculpture Park

4.6 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Near the end, short detour

1.8 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 99.3

Windsor, Ontario

Hours: Open 24 hours

+15192531812

Visit website

Harris Nature Center

4.7 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Early in the drive, short detour

1.7 mi from route ~4 min detour mile 21.3

Okemos, Michigan

Hours: 9 am–3 pm

+15173493866

Visit website

Place data sourced from public business listings. Hours and availability may vary.

Heads-up: tricky spots

5 of 12

5 decision points cluster between mile 4.7 and 99.1 — GPS handles the exact turns, but know they're coming. Your lane choice matters more than the turn itself.

5
4.7 mi into trip | ~6m in

Keep slight left at fork toward Lansing Road

Highway fork - watch signs carefully

Toward Lansing Road
5
6.8 mi into trip | ~10m in | I 96

Merge onto I 96

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / right lanes.
5
80.8 mi into trip | ~1h 29m in | M 10 / John C Lodge Freeway

Merge onto M 10 / John C Lodge Freeway

Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight / slight right lanes.
8
98.5 mi into trip | ~1h 53m in

Take the exit toward Larned Street, Downtown

Exit ramp - move to the correct lane early. Lane positioning matters here. Multiple destination signs - pick the right one

Use the slight left lane. Exit 1B Toward Larned Street, Downtown
5
99.1 mi into trip | ~1h 54m in | Woodward Avenue

Turn left onto Woodward Avenue

Lane positioning matters here

Use the straight lane.

Fuel & Cost

Regular Gas

$15.52 one way

$31.05 round trip

$3.97/gal 25.4 MPG avg 35 kg CO2
Fuel Type $/gal One Way Round Trip
midgrade $4.36 $17.05 $34.09
premium $4.89 $19.11 $38.22
diesel $5.61 $21.92 $43.85

No toll roads detected on this route.

Estimated Trip Cost (one way, 1 person)

Fuel

$16

Meals

$25–$50

Total

$41–$66

Rough estimate based on US averages. Hotel $80–$140/night, meals $25–$50/day.

Estimated CO2 emission: 34.7 kg one way. Prices: EIA weekly data, 2026-04-13.

Driving Electric?

About $10 in charging · 0 stops · 66% less CO2

Vehicle Type kWh Stops DC Fast Home Charge
Average EV 29.8 0 $10.43 $4.77
Efficient EV 24.8 0 $8.69 $3.97
EV Truck/SUV 39.7 0 $13.90 $6.36

Gas CO2

35 kg

EV CO2

12 kg (66% less)

This trip is well within single-charge range for most EVs. No charging stops needed if you start fully charged.

DC fast charging avg $0.35/kWh. Home charging avg $0.16/kWh. US grid CO2: 0.39 kg/kWh.

Travel Intel

Current conditions at both ends of the drive.

Forecast as of Apr 19, 2026

Origin

Potterville, MI

Afternoon in Potterville on Sunday

Local time

1:30 PM

EDT

Current temp

42°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Destination

Detroit, MI

Afternoon in Detroit on Sunday

Local time

1:30 PM

EDT

Current temp

49°F

Unavailable

Live forecast

Seasonal Notes

Summer travel usually means heavier construction, hotter rest stops, and busier weekend traffic around major cities.

Winter travel shortens daylight, so a route that looks manageable on paper can feel much longer after dark.

Holiday weekends tend to make both departure and arrival windows slower than the raw route time suggests.

Time zone

Same local time

Origin and destination are on the same clock, so arrival timing is easier to judge at a glance.

Temperature spread

7 degrees warmer at arrival

A meaningful temperature swing is a good cue to rethink layers, water, and how soon you want to arrive.

Road read

1h 55m on the road

Use the two city cards together: check the sky where you start, then compare it with the local time and temperature at arrival.

Weather data from the National Weather Service. Conditions may change; check closer to your travel date.

What kind of drive is this?

99.3 mi in 1h 55m, mostly highway — 65 mi of that is on I 96.

96% highway — fuel and pacing are the main things to plan.
16 navigation steps total — most of the decisions cluster near the start and finish.
Longest single stretch: 65 mi on I 96.

How Hard Is This Drive?

5/10

This is a straightforward highway drive that stays mostly on I 96 and John C Lodge Freeway. You will hit about 12 points where you need to pay attention to lane position or signs. The trickiest moment comes around 4.7 miles in.

Driving Effort 5/10

Moderate - straightforward overall, but long enough or busy enough to require pacing

Balances navigation complexity with total wheel time.

This drive requires moderate attention. Across 99.3 miles you will encounter 12 spots where lane choice or exit timing matters. Not difficult for experienced highway drivers, but worth previewing the tricky sections before you go.

Where does it get tricky?

The main spots that need attention: at 4.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 6.8 miles (I 96): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.8 miles (M 10 / John C Lodge Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Towns Mentioned on Route Signs

Based on OSRM destination-sign hints, not a full list of every settlement the road passes.

On the drive from Potterville, MI to Detroit, MI, road signs begin pointing toward M 5 East: Port Huron along the way.

M 5 East: Port Huron

71.9 mi in | ~1h 19m | via I 696

Who Is This Route For?

Weekend Trip

Doable as a same-day drive at 1h 55m. Total distance: 99.3 miles.

Family Friendly

Moderate complexity with 0 natural rest stops along the way.

Solo Traveler

1h 55m drive, comfortable solo distance.

First-Time Driver

Mostly highway driving (96%). Some complex stretches to watch for.

Frequently Asked Questions

The longest stretch is about 65 miles on I 96. The full list of main roads is in the Roads section above.

Yes — we found about 5 rest areas or service plazas within a short detour of the route (from OpenStreetMap). See the Rest Stops tab under Nearby Places for locations and mile markers. Plan to stretch, use the bathroom, and top off fluids every 2–3 hours on longer drives.

Yes. At under 2 hours behind the wheel, this works well for families — plan one quick stop if you have younger kids.

The main spots that need attention: at 4.7 miles: Highway fork - watch signs carefully; at 6.8 miles (I 96): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here; at 80.8 miles (M 10 / John C Lodge Freeway): Merge point - match speed before joining. Lane positioning matters here.

Yes. A round trip is manageable in a single day if you plan a break at Detroit, MI before heading back.

How this page is built

Compiled by the US Trip Planner planning team at COD Solutions Oy from open government datasets — OSRM over OpenStreetMap for geometry, and EIA for fuel prices. See our methodology for refresh cadence and limitations.

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